Is there a cruise vacation in your future?There just might be after you read what our staff had to say about their recent tour of Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas…

With more than 24 million passengers worldwide expected to set sail this year, according to figures just released by the Cruise Lines International Association, the chances are quite likely that you’ll soon be finding yourself sea-bound in 2016. But with all the cruise ships and itineraries out there, it can be daunting to find the one that’s perfect for you – and for everyone you may be travelling with. Enter Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas, a ship with so much to see and do onboard that it’s been billed as the “world’s most revolutionary” ocean liner.

We here at CAA North & East Ontario recently sent a team of our managers down to New York, where the Anthem of the Seas departs on sailings to the Caribbean, to explore the ship and find out more. Here’s what they had to say:

Tina RichardsonBusiness Development Manager, Travel Services

“This ship has fun for EVERYONE! My favorite was the Pulse Spiral chandelier in the Esplanade, it’s an interactive chandelier that flashes on and off to match your pulse. I also loved the Bionic Bar; it was so much fun to watch the robot make your drink. And the ‘We Will Rock You’ show in the Royal Theatre was absolutely excellent. It featured a full-length performance complete with a live band that overlooked the audience from up high. Lastly, the North Star must be seen to be believed: the panoramic view from the glass bubble observation deck is unbelievable – and complimentary!”

Dave CoffeyManaging Director, Travel Services

“The ship is incredible – and huge! It had everything from bumper cars to iFly (a skydiving simulator in a vertical wind tunnel), and excellent entertainment. The buffet restaurant had plenty of choice, and the a la carte restaurants were very chic. Rooms were spotless and efficient. Seeing the New York evening skyline from the water was a special treat…a great option for anyone cruising, but especially families with many different ages to please.”

Kim StefaniukTravel Marketing Manager, Marketing

“I have to say that departing from NYC was quite a spectacular experience, I just loved cruising past the Statue of Liberty with the NYC Skyline as a backdrop - it was breathtaking. A must-do for every cruise-goer on this ship is to see the full Broadway musical production of ‘We Will Rock You,’ I have to say that it was even better than the performance I saw in London a few years ago! The music, costumes and the caliber of talent was that incredible. Expect to be entertained!”

Kerri PainterManager, Travel Services Call Centre

“I loved the chairs on the ship! They are all different shapes and sizes and perfect to tuck away, curl up and read a book. The décor on the ship is nicely done. There are pictures, quotes and art pieces. The view from the North Star is amazing! We had a blast in the bumper cars.”

Here’s your chance to experience Anthem of the Seas for yourself: Members are invited aboard the ship on a specially-priced sailing hosted by CAA NEO President and CEO Christina Hlusko. The President’s Cruise will depart from Cape Liberty, New York, on November 20, 2016 on a week-long cruise to the Bahamas, with ports of calls in Cape Canaveral, CocoCay and Nassau, for the low price of $1,361 (interior stateroom with virtual balcony) or $1496 (balcony stateroom).

The price includes seven nights’ accommodation on the ship, taxes and port charges – not to mention what we call “the presidential treatment.” Think: a Welcome glass of champagne in your stateroom, VIP Priority Check-in, a $50 USD onboard credit per room, and so much more. Click here for more information about the ship, or book your spot on the President’s Cruise aboard Anthem of the Seas by calling 1-800-267-8713 or visiting your nearest CAA Travel Store.

CAA North & East Ontario serves Members in Ontario in the cities of North Bay, Ottawa, Sudbury and Thunder Bay; the Districts of Cochrane, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Timiskaming, and Kenora (including area of Patricia); and the Counties of Dundas, and Glengarry, including the portion of Leeds-Grenville formerly known as Grenville County, Lanark, Prescott, Renfrew, Russell, and Stormont.